Chanmari FC currently sits fifth in the table after Saturday’s loss. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA

Diamond Harbour FC ensured that it remained top with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chanmari FC in the Championship phase of the Indian Football League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.

Antonio Moyano gave Diamond Harbour the lead in the 35th minute and the game was put to bed late in the 87th minute by substitute R. Ramdinthara. Antonio Moyano was named Player of the Match.

Diamond Harbour consolidated its top spot with 25 points from 10 matches, while Chanmari remained fifth with 11 points from the same number of matches.

Chanmari FC head coach Dipankur Sharma made one change to his attack, with KC Malsawmsanga replacing Aron Vanlalrinchhana. Meanwhile, Kibu Vicuña handed wing-back K. Ajith Kumar his first start of the season in place of Naresh Singh and also brought in Sunday Afolabi for Hugo Díaz in midfield.

Both sides struggled to break down each other’s defence, with the game played in tight spaces and much of the battle unfolding in midfield as they contested possession. Chanmari looked sharp in attack, with Jota and KC Malsawmsanga using their pace to drive forward, while Diamond Harbour built its moves patiently and posed a threat in transition.

The visitor almost scored midway through the first half with a well-worked move. Luka Majcen was released down the left wing and the striker found Antonio Moyano inside the box. The midfielder turned and hit a shot towards goal which was well saved by goalkeeper Zothanmawia, and the rebound was dragged wide by Paul Ramfangzauva.

Diamond Harbour took the lead in the 35th minute through the individual brilliance of Moyano. The Spaniard received the ball on the edge of the box, dodged a couple of defenders and sent a powerful shot that hit the post and found the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

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Chanmari looked threatening going forward, but the side from Aizawl lacked final output, with its forwards attempting shots from distance and showing a lack of composure. Malsawmsanga, Pepe and Lalruatsanga all had attempts on goal, but they did not trouble Dheeraj Singh as Diamond Harbour took its one-goal advantage into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chanmari starting brightly while Diamond Harbour looked to slow the tempo. Malsawmsanga, who continued to trouble the defence with his pace, tested Dheeraj with a low shot across goal, forcing a fingertip save from the goalkeeper.

At the other end, Zothanmawia produced an acrobatic save to keep out Melroy Assisi’s header from a set-piece around the hour mark. The visitor was content to retain possession in the opposition half, looking to create chances through set-pieces and quick counter-attacks.

The league leader looked firmly in control and rarely appeared under pressure despite Chanmari’s search for an equaliser. It eventually sealed the game three minutes from time, as substitute Ramdinthara beat his marker at the far post and headed home Bryce Miranda’s cross from the left to secure all three points.

The home side pushed to salvage something late on, but Diamond Harbour, despite not being at its best, saw out the game comfortably to secure only its second clean sheet of the season.

Published on Apr 25, 2026